Lover’s Point Cove

 Location:  Intersection of Ocean View Blvd.   And 17^th St., Pacific Grove, CA 

 Skill Level:  All Levels

Attraction:  Underwater Photography            

 Entry/Exit:  Entries and exits at this location are relatively easy.  The cove is protected from most ocean swells and currents.  Entry is best made at the beach of the second cove inland.  Unfortunately, this beach is very popular with sunbathers and swimmers.  The beach is often crowded and you will most likely find a group of children huddled around you quizzing you on your activities.  The beach slopes off gradually the first 5-10 feet with coarse sand.  Then, it drops off about 2-3 feet.  At this point it is easiest to just lie down on your back and kick out to deeper water.  Be careful of the rocks at this spot, they are covered with kelp and eel grass which makes them very slippery.

            Entries are fairly simple, just mind the slippery rocks and keep an eye on the swimmers.  If you can find a shallow sandy spot, it may be easier to just remove your fins and walk to shore.

 Dive Briefing:  The water is generally 30-40 ft. deep with 10-20 ft. pinnacles.  The bottom is sandy with scattered rock formations.  About 75 yards from the cove, you will reach the first kelp bed, which is about 20 ft. deep.  The better dive areas are about 100+ yards out.  Visibility is rumored to be good, generally 30-60 ft., but upon diving this site, I found no better then 15ft.

  Facilities:  There are restrooms located in the park of lover’s point located between the two coves.  There is a small restaurant on the beach that serves burgers, fries, corndogs and other typical fast foods.  There is a shack next to it that rents snorkel gear bicycles and other toys.  Parking is limited, most of it being 2-hour parking which is strictly enforced. 

Permits/Licenses: None required.  However, during the months of April through September from Friday through Monday, divers access to the beach is limited to before 11:30 AM.  There is unlimited access during other times.  No scuba gear is to be left unattended in this beach at any time.  The city is occasionally lenient about enforcing these regulations, but don’t press your luck.

Recreation:  Monterey is full of activities to do while not in the water. The aquarium is one of Monterey’s main attractions and is definitely worth the fees.  Cannery Row is also a fun spot to hit, full of restaurants and shops.  There is a great bicycle path that follows the coastline and cannery row.  This is often used and rentals are available if you don’t bring your bike with you.

 Trip Costs:  This trip can be very flexible as far as costs.  If you camp and cook your own food, you may be able to get away with a $50-$60 weekend (plus gas).  Of coarse, there are hotels, aquariums and a hundred other touristy things to do that could cost you a lot of money

 Service Info: 

            Emergency Numbers:

            Emergency Operator:  911

                Diver’s Alert Network: 919-684-4326

                Monterey US Coast Guard: 831-647-7300

                Monterey Group Search and Rescue: 831-647-7300

                Pacific Grove Marine Rescue Patrol: 831-648-3110

                Recompression and Medical Facilities

            Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula

                                23625 Holman Hwy.Monterey CA, 93940

                                831-624-5311

                Mendocino Coast District Hospital

                                700 River Dr. Fort Bragg, CA 95437

                                707-961-1234

                Redwood Coast Medical Services

                                46900 Ocean View Dr.Gualala, CA 95445

                                707-884-4005 or 707-785-2315

Weather Reports:

            National Weather Service Marine Weather Page

                                www.nws.mbay.net/marine.html

                National Weather Service Tide Tables

                                www.nws.mbay.net/sunset.html#mry_tide

                Monterey Co. Health Department Beach Hotline

                (info. on beach closures due to bacteria levels)

                                800-347-6363

  Dive Stores:

            Aquarius Dive Shop

                2040 Del Monte Ave. Monterey, CA

                                831-375-1933

                Aquarius II Dive Shop

                32 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA

                                831-375-6605

                Bamboo Reef

                614 Lighthouse Ave. Monterey, CA

                                831-372-1685

                Manta Ray Dive Center

                245 Foam St., Monterey, CA

                                831-375-6268

                Monterey Bay Dive Center

                225 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA

                                831-656-0454

                                800-607-2822

Food Stores: Too many to list, see Monterey chamber of commerce.  Most markets and restaurants are based on or about Cannery Row or Lighthouse Ave.

Launch Ramps:

Monterey Breakwater (inside Stillwater cove)

Point Lobos (for reserve diving only)

Overnight Facilities:

There are numerous campgrounds and hotel facilities.  Refer to the Monterey chamber of commerce for listings.   However, Veteran’s Memorial Park is an excellent campground.  It is located jus off highway 68 at the end of Jefferson St.  Camping is self-registering and no reservations can be made.  Camping is $18 per night and $5 per extra vehicle.  The campground has hot showers, restrooms, and a large park.  There is a ranger stationed there who will most likely meet you when you enter the park.

 Sources:

Diving and Snorkeling Monterey Peninsula & Northern California, Steve Rosenberg, June, 2000

Lonely Planet Publications